Citation

Robertson WO, Caffrey A. J. Med. Toxicol. 2008; 4(1): 16-17.

Affiliation

Washington Poison Center, 155 NE 100th Street, #100, Seattle, WA 98125-8007, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18338305

Abstract

Introduction: In 1986, we conducted the first survey of Washington emergency physicians about their perceptions of the performance of the Washington Poison Center (WPC); the results were summarized and published. The exercise was repeated in 1993, 1997 and in 2005. Methods: The original conventional 2-page survey was updated and distributed with an explanatory letter and return envelope to a mailing list obtained from the state chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Responses were tallied, summarized and compared to prior surveys. Results: For 2005, 612 surveys were distributed; 221 were returned. The average respondent had been in practice for 14 years, with more than 50% functioning in"urban"communities. They reported calling the WPC an average of 19 times per year, and particularly valued being able to consult with a board-certified medical toxicologist in a virtually"STAT'' manner. In more than 80% of calls, the information played a positive role in management of the patient. Conclusions:Washington's emergency physicians continue to highly value the WPC's services, with increasing numbers in favor of governmental support of the operation.

Language: en